To understand the role of the South Caucasus in current geopolitical shifts, we need to have a close look at the region. Interrelated with the West vs. East contradiction, the geopolitical struggle is becoming increasingly heated. The intensifying struggle is obvious for those observers who more or less follow international news. It can also be seen in the context of the frequent visits of influential officials to the countries of the region.
Against the backdrop of the appointment of ambassadors to Armenia, one can guess what kind of policy these countries are pursuing, therefore, what expectations can be held. From that perspective, let's focus on the cases of the newly appointed ambassadors of the USA and Iran.
From 2008 to 2011 Marie Yovanovitch served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. From 2016 to 2019 she was the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Earlier, from 1998 to 2000, she served as the Deputy Director of the Russia Desk in the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Kristina A. Kvien to be the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, who arrived in Yerevan in February 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, Kristina Kvien served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. She was previously Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. from 2020-2022, performing the duties of the Ambassador.
Lynne Tracy who served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in 2019-2023 was sworn in as Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
The mentioned appointments perhaps imply the outline of the Russia-Ukraine-Armenia triangle, which means that the policy conducted by the U.S. in these countries is interconnected, if we formulate this connection very slightly or superficially.
Now let's see what appointment the Islamic Republic of Iran made. The newly appointed Ambassador of Iran to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, previously carried out a diplomatic mission in Syria as an Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador. Iran would certainly not appoint a random diplomat to that country, given the events taking place in Syria. It is clear that in the person of Sohbani, Iran sent one of its "heavy artillery" to Syria, which is endowed with the experience of special powers and prerogatives, including in the military and intelligence spheres. The appointment of an Ambassador with such experience to Armenia should give rise to far-reaching conclusions. It means, first of all, that Iran is trying to strengthen its diplomatic potential in Yerevan with a broader spectrum.
On the other hand, the appointment of multi-experienced and skilled Ambassadors to Armenia, given the quality of our inexperienced and inconsistent Government, should sober us up. There are all signs that a powerful struggle is carried out in the South Caucasus for the sphere of influence, and the countries will not limit themselves solely to diplomatic instruments in terms of the means of this struggle.